In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin received a report on April 26, 2025, from Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The report detailed the completion of operations aimed at defeating Ukrainian forces that had invaded the Kursk region. According to the official website of the Kremlin, Gerasimov announced that the last settlement, the village of Gornal, has been liberated from Ukrainian control, marking the end of the military engagement in that area.
Gerasimov stated, "The plans of the Kiev regime to create a so-called strategic bridgehead and disrupt our advance on Donbass have failed." He emphasized that the most active phase of the operation began on March 6, 2025, following a significant military maneuver known as 'Truba'. The operation involved coordinated offensive actions by the Kursk military group, which simultaneously attacked in various directions, ultimately leading to the collapse of Ukrainian defenses.
As a result of these military actions, Gerasimov reported that Ukrainian forces experienced a chaotic retreat, with the area of encirclement decreasing by 2.5 times within five days. He noted that during this operation, Ukrainian elite units suffered significant losses, with over 76,000 personnel reported killed or wounded, along with the destruction of over 7,700 units of military equipment.
Gerasimov also acknowledged the contributions of soldiers from the Korean People's Democratic Republic, who provided assistance to the Russian military in liberating the Kursk region. Currently, Russian forces are engaged in clearing the area of any remaining Ukrainian soldiers attempting to hide and are conducting mine clearance operations in the region, having checked and cleared 19 settlements.
In addition, the Russian military is reportedly establishing a security zone in the border areas of the Sumy region of Ukraine, with more than 90 square kilometers now under Russian control. Meanwhile, in the Belgorod region, Russian forces have concluded operations to eliminate Ukrainian sabotage groups in the Popovka area.
President Putin, reflecting on Gerasimov's report, stated, "The Kiev regime's adventure has completely failed, and the enormous losses incurred by the enemy, particularly among their most capable and well-equipped forces, will undoubtedly impact the entire line of combat contact." He commended the military units that distinguished themselves during the operation, including various airborne divisions and special purpose regiments.
However, the situation remains complex, as the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has countered Gerasimov's claims. They assert that Ukrainian forces continue to hold certain positions in the Kursk region despite the reported advances by Russian troops. According to their statements, defensive operations are ongoing, and they are effectively inflicting damage on Russian forces using various tactics, including active defense strategies.
Ukrainian military officials noted that since the beginning of the day, they have repelled five assault actions from Russian forces, with one ongoing confrontation still in progress. The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region has been underway since August 6, 2024, and the operational situation is described as challenging.
As both sides report conflicting narratives, the veracity of the claims made by either party remains difficult to independently verify. The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with both nations preparing for further military engagements.
